| On of the most popular barbecue ideas, especially | | | | them as desserts, along with ice creams or frozen |
| since the economic slowdown, is the potluck. The | | | | yoghurt. |
| potluck is easiest and the most economical way to | | | | Since vegetables and fruits are cheap and abundant |
| entertain. One of the ways to plan out the potluck is | | | | in traditional barbecue season, you can add plenty to |
| by assigning guests special dishes, or asking them to | | | | the barbecue. Most people love the grilled corn, |
| bring store-brought ground meat or buns for the | | | | served in a variety of ways, from the toasty to the |
| burgers. You could even forego sodas and get the | | | | rolled in garlic mayo or barbecue sauce. Cooks and |
| guests to bring home-made drinks like lemonade or | | | | cookbook authors provide several vegetable ideas; |
| even iced tea. | | | | such as simple grilled veggies, sliced ripe tomatoes, or |
| If you are buying supplies, check your local ads to | | | | a cole slaw topped with walnuts, as an alternative to |
| find the sales. Look for items price lower. If buying | | | | the richer mayo. |
| breads, check for a local discount bakery. | | | | Snack foods are another costly item. Buy store brand |
| On the menu, give the steaks a miss. Choose meats | | | | chips and dips. To create a zingy sauce, vary your |
| which are a lot cheaper -- not only will they be easy | | | | store-bought ketchup, mayo, or mayo by adding |
| on the pocket; they will keep the barbecue simple | | | | extra flavors. Let your imagination go with herbs, |
| and enjoyable. So stick with the burgers and fries | | | | horseradish, chilli, garlic, or onion powders. You could |
| routine. There is nothing as tasty as the basic juicy | | | | also make items at home, such as sandwiches and |
| burger and crunchy fries. | | | | platters. |
| Whether you are assigning food for the potluck or | | | | Remember your budget need never come in the |
| shopping for the ingredients yourself, remember to | | | | way of your throwing a great barbecue or indeed |
| include something for the vegetarians. Try the grilled | | | | having an enjoyable time. If your finances are low, all |
| tofu, mushrooms, or even a thick slice of grilled | | | | you need to do is shop for the budget items, make |
| eggplant, all of which can be served on a burger bun. | | | | things yourself, and better still, ask people to |
| Another way to vary barbecue foods is to grill fruits | | | | contribute. Nothing, least of all the money limitations, |
| like peaches, plums, and nectarines. Serve these on | | | | can come in the way of a heart-felt celebration. |
| the side with the meats or tofu. You could also serve | | | | |